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NEW ENGLAND STATES 



SPECIAL GEOGEAPHY 



OF 



MASSACHUSETTS AND VERMONT 



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DESIGNED TO ACCOMPANY ^GUYOT'S NEW INTERMEDIATE GEOGRAPHY 




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GEOGRAPHY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE. 

Position. 

Massachusetts is situated in tlie southern half of New Eng- 
land, having Vermont and New Hampshire on the north, the 
Atlantic on the east and south-east, Rhode Island and Con- 
necticut on the south, and New York on the west. 

It lies mainly between the jiarallels of 42° and 43° north 
latitude, and the meridians of 70° 30' and 73° 30' west longi- 
tude. The extreme limits, however, lie more than one-half a 
degree farther to the east and the south. 

Form and Extent. 

The main body of the State forms a parallelogram, about 
140 miles long and nearly fifty miles wide. 

Beyond the limits of this figure there is a small projection 
toward the north-cast, including the lower course of the Merri- 
mac River, and a larger district extending toward the south- 
east. The latter terminates with the long, nari'ow pieninsula 
of Cape Cod, and the islands of Nantucket and Martha's 
Vineyard. 

The entire area of the State is 7,800 square miles, or about 
5,000,000 acres. 

Surface. 

The surface of Massachusetts presents no extreme features, 
but varies from low, sandy plains in the south-east, to rugged 
mountains near the western border. 

The State consists of four different natural divisions, namely: 
the Atlantic Plain, the Middle Highlands, the Connecticut 
Valley, and the Western Highlands. 

The Atlantic Plain extends from the seaboard westward 
about forty miles. Its western limit may be indicated by an 
irregular noi'th and south line, crossing the State a little east of 
Wachusett Mountain. 

Though the most level part of the State, this region is gener- 
ally uneven, the elevation increasing gradually westward. The 
peninsula of Cape Cod, and the adjacent parts of the mainland, 
are flat and sandy. 

Cape Ann peninsula, and the smaller peninsulas of Marble- 
head and Nahant, are rugged granite formations. 



The Middle Highlands occupy a belt of about forty miles, 
between the Atlantic Plain and the Connecticut Valley. 

Thisi-egion has a greater general elevation than the preceding, 
and the eastern part forms the water-shed between the Atlantic 
and the Connecticut. 

Though the surface is generally hilly, there are but few pro- 
minent elevations. Mount Wachusett, near the eastern border, 
is the highest, being 2,000 feet above the sea level. The more 
prominent of the lesser elevations are Tuft's Hill and Hawes 
Hill, in the central part, and Mount Lincoln, near the western 
border. 

The CoNNKCTicuT Valley crosses the State between the 
Middle and Western Uigldands. It varies in breadth from five 
to twenty-five miles. 

This region is an alluvial plain, lying on both sides of the 
river, interrupted l)y occasional ridges of ti'ap-rock. The most 
noted of these are Mount Holyoke, on the eastern side of the 
stream, 900 feet high; and Mount Tom, on the western, 1,200 
feet in height. 

Viewed from Mount Ilol^-oke, this valley presents the most 
picturesque landscape in the State. 

The Western Highlands include that part of the State 
west of the Connecticut Valle}', and, like the eastern, is about 
forty miles in breadth. 

The eastern portion resembles the Middle Highlands, but 
presents greater irregularities of surface, more abrupt hills, 
and deeper valleys. 

The western portion is mountainous, being crossed from 
north to south by two parallel I'anges of the Green Mountain 
System ; the Iloosac on the east, the Taconic on the west. 

The Iloosac range, lying from twenty to thirty miles from 
the rivei', is only about half the height of the Taconic. The 
latter contains the highest peaks in the State, namely : Saddle 
Mountain, 3,500 feet high, and Bald Mountain, 2,(>0(» feet. 

The valley between these ranges, drained by the Housatonic 
and Iloosac Rivers, is partly alluvial, and in many respects 
similar in character to the Connecticut Valley. 

Islands are numerous along the coast, and resemble tne ad- 
jacent mainland in character. The only ones of considerable 



GEOGRAPHY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



size are Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Tlie former is 
fifteen miles long and eleven broad in the widest part; the 
latter twent^'-one miles long and from two to ten miles wide. 

Plum Island, off the east coast, north of Cape Ann, is nine miles 
long and one mile wide. The most noted of the sn)aller islands 
are the group in Massachusetts Bay, near Boston, and the 
Elizabeth Islands, inclosing Buzzard's Bay on the south-east. 

Inland Waters. 

Every part of the State is bountifnlly watered, but in general 
the streams are more available for agricultural and manufac- 
turing purposes than as channels of communication. The 
largest rivers are the Connecticut and the Merrimac. 

The Connecticut flows southward, through the Connecticut 
Valley. In tiiis State it is scarcely used for navigation, but 
affords immense watei--power at South Iladley Falls and at 
Turner's Falls. Its principal tributaries from the Middle High- 
lands are Miller's Fuver, and the Chicopee, foi-med by the con- 
fluence of the Ware and the Swift. From the Western High- 
lands it receives the Deerfield and tlie Westfield. 

The Meri'imac enters the State from New Hampshire, and 
flows through the north-east part into the Atlantic. It is navi- 
gable for small craft to Haverhill, twenty miles from its mouth ; 
but is chiefly valuable as a source of water-power, and is more 
fully utilized for manufacturing purposes than any other river 
of equal extent. Its most important tributaries are the Nashua 
and the Concord. 

The remaining streams are small. In the Atlantic Plain thc> 
principal are the Charles and the Neponsct, entering Massa- 
chusetts Bay. and the Taunton and Blackstone, flowing into 
Narragansett Bav. 

The Quinnebaug, from the Middle Highlands, flows soutli- 
ward into the Thames. The Housatonic, flowing southward to 
the Naugatuck, and the Iloosac, flowing northward and west- 
ward to the Hudson, drain the mountainous portion of the 
Western Highlands 



Hineral!^. 

The mineral wealth of Massachusetts consists chiefly of 
building-stone, especially granite. This is most abundant in 
the eastern part of the State, at Qiiincy, Eockport, Westford, 
and Fitchbui-g. 

Wliite marble and soapstone occur in the Western Highlands, 
and sandstone abounds in the Connecticut Valley. 

Among the metals, silver and lead are found near Newbnry- 
port, and small quantities of copper and iron in diffei-ent parts 
of the Statu, and of gold in Essex County. 

Climate. 

The climate is temperate and highly salubrious. The sum- 
mer, witli an average temperature of 70°, is delightful, and of 
suflicient length for the maturing of the dift'erent grains and 
fruits of temperate latitudes. 

The cold season is prolonged in the interior by the elevation. 



and on the coast by the prevalence, during spring and autumn, 
of chilling easterly winds from the Atlandc. Sudden changes 
of temperature are conunon during all seasons. 

The rain-fall is abundant, moisture being brought by both 
easterly and southerly winds. Westei'ly and north- westerlv 
winds bring fair weather. 

Soil and Forests. 

In a large part of the State the soil does not naturally pos- 
sess great fertility, but by skillful cultivation bountiful harvests 
are obtained. 

The low, albnial lands of the Connecticut Valley are exceed- 
ingly fertile, while the sandy tracts which occujiy some por- 
tions of its area are only moderately productive. 

The Housatonic Valley is like the Connecticut, but tlie Hoosac 
is almost wholly composed of i-ich alluvium. 

The vast sandy plains in the south-eastern portion of the 
State and on the islands are quite barren. 

Tlie original forests, except in the mountainous and inacces- 
sible regions, have long since been cut ofi^; but in districts too 
rugged for profitalde cultivation large tracts of growing timber 
have reappeared. 

Population and l¥ealtli. 

Massachusetts has a i)opulation of 1,783,086 (census of ISSO). 
It is more densely populated tlian any other State in tlie Union, 
having an average of two hundred and twenty-nine persons to 
each square mile of its territory. 

Tlie inhabitants are mostly native-born and of English de- 
scent, but the cities and manufacturing villages contain a con- 
siderable number of foreigners, chiefly Irish, English, Scotch, 
and German. 

Massachusetts is not only one of the oldest and most enter- 
prising States, but also one of the wealthiest, its total valuation 
being over seventeen hundred millions of dollars. 



Occupations and Prodnctions. 

In proportion to area and population, Massachusetts is the 
flrst State of tlie Union in Manufactueing and Commkrce. In 
the actual amount of manufacturing, this State is surpassed 
only by New York and Pennsylvania, and in commerce by 
New York alone. 

Ship-Building is an important industry, Massachuseus being 
second only to Maine in this pursuit. 

The Fisheries — cod, mackerel, hen-ing, and whale — furnish 
occupation to great numbers of people in the seaboard districts. 

Ageicdltuee is conducted with great skill, and, considering 
the nature of the soil in general, yields large retui-iis ; still, the 
agi-icultural produce of the State does not nearly siiftice for the 
wants of its dense population. Hence a large trade in grain 
and other farm produce is carried on with the Central States. 

The leading crops are the different grains, potatoes, and 
tobacco. Considerable attention is given to dairyino-, and the 
rearing of improved breeds of cattle, hoi-ses, and sheep. 



GEOGRAPHY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



The Manufactures most largely produced are cotton and 
woolen goods, boots and shoes and other goods from leather ; 
and a great variet}' of articles from wood and i]-on, among 
which are furniture, agricultural implements, machinery, car- 
riages, cars, and locomoti\es. 

The Natural Facilities for coastwise and foreign commerce 
are great, as the coast abounds in safe and spacious harbors. 
The harbor at Boston is one of the best in the world. 

The absence of navigable inland waters, and the rugged 
character of the surface, form natural obstacles to trade with 
the interior; but enterprise and ca[)ital have effectually over- 
come these, and lines of trafhc have been established, not only 
with the adjacent States and the British Provinces, but with 
the most remote parts of the LTiiion. 

There are not less than twenty-five hundred miles of rail- 
i-oad within the State, all the main lines centering in Boston. 
Steam-ship lines also con- 
nect Boston with Europe ' -i. „-^„^,_-i--- 
and with the principal 
domestic ports. 

The Exports of the 
State are the products of 
the manufactories, quar- 
ries, and fisheries. 

The Imports are pi-inci- 
pally food supplies and 
raw materials for manu- 
facturing, European man- 
ufactures, wines and li- 
quors, sugar, tea, coffee, 
spices, and foreign fruits. 

Educational Iiisiti- 
tutions. 

Popular education has 
always received marked 

attention in Massachusetts. The system of free schools v\-as 
established in 1647, and, fostered by a wise and liberal policy, 
it has steadily developed, until it has attained its present high 
degree of perfection. The result is seen in the higli reputation 
for general intelligence which the people of this State have 
always sustained. 

Liberal provision has also been made foi- higher education. 
The first American college was established in Massachusetts in 
1638, the first normal school in 1839, and the first normal art 
school in 1873. 

There are within the State, besides a large number of supe 



seminaries, two law schools, si.\ medical schools, five State 
normal schools, and" one normal art school. 

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Peabody 
Academy of Science, the Agassiz Museum of Comparative 
Zoology, and a Museum of Fine Arts, ai'e located in this 
State. There are also some two hundred public libraries, con- 
taining about 700,000 volumes, and a numerous newspaper and 
periodical press. 



Benevolent Int^titntions. 

The State abounds in benevolent and charitable institutions, 
among which maj' be named the Massachusetts Hospital and 
the Boston City Ilospital ; four lunatic asylums, an asylum and 
school for the blind, one for the idiotic and feeble-minded, 
and one for the deaf and duml) ; a I'eform school for boys and 

an industrial school for 
=^-J i^:.:'" girls. 

History. 

The territory of Massa- 
chusetts was first settled 
at Plymouth by the Ply- 
mouth Colony, w h i c h 
landed Dec. 22, 1620. 

In 1C2S a settlement 
was made at Salem, under 
the leadership of John 
Endicott. During the 
next two years numerous 
accessions were received, 
other settlements weie 
made at Boston and adja- 
cent places, and the gov- 
ernment of the Massachu- 
setts Colony was organ- 
ized. These colonies remained separate, each electing its own 
gcivernor, more than half a century. 

In 16S6 — their charters having been revoked — Sir Edmund 
Andros was appointed governor of the two colonies. 

His arbitrary and tyrannical measures soon aroused deter- 
mined opposition. His government was overthrown, and the 
former colonial officers reinstated. 

In 1692 a new charter was granted, uniting the two colonies 
under the name of Massachusetts, and providing for the ap- 
pointment of the governor by the crown. 

During its early iiistory the tranquillity of the province was 
i-ior high schools and academies, ten colleges and universities. ' disturbed by frequent Indian hostilities, and also by a conflict 
These are. Harvard and Boston Universities; Amherst; Wil- j of the prevailing political and religious opinions, in which indi- 
liams; Tufts; Boston; College of the Holy Cross; Agricultural ; viduals were occasionally exposed to persecution from the civil 
Smith College, for women ; and Wellesley Female College. power. 

Among the provisions for special education may be named 1 Massachusetts was foremost in active opposition to British 
the Massachusetts Institute of Technolt>gy in Boston, the Free tyranny and unjust taNation. Here, too, the first blood of the 
Sciiool of Industrial Science at Worcester, seven theological revolution was shed at Lexington and Concord, and the fii'st 




COD-FISHING. 



GEOGRAPHY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



great battle fought at J>uuker Ilill. Among the great names 
memorable in the revolutionary struggle, those of the Massa- 
chusetts leaders are conspicuous. 

Political Organization. 

The government of the State is republican, consisting of 
three departments : Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. 

The officers of the Executive Department are, a governor, a 
lieutenant-governor, and an executive council of eight mem- 
bers ; a secretary, a treasurer, an auditor, and an attorney- 
general. 

The Legislative authority is vested in the General Court, 
consisting of a Senate of forty members, and a House of Rep- 
resentatives of 24:0. 

The Judicial Depai-tment comprises a Supreme Judicial 
Court, a Superior Court, and various lower courts. 

The executive and legislative ofhcers of the State, and the 
various county and town ofticers, are elected annually by vote 
of the people. The judiciary are appointed by the governor 
and council for life, or during good behavior. 

Women are not voters, but may legally be elected upon 
school committees, and appointed on boards of trustees for cer- 
tain public institutions. 

Descriiitioii of Counties aufi Cities. 

Counties, tiieiii Population and County Seats. (Census op 1880.) 





County 3EAr. 


1 CocNTX Seat. 


Berkshire . . 


00,049 


Pittsfield. 


Suffolk.. 387,636 


Lofton. 


Franklin . . . 


3(),0U0 


Greenfield. 


Norfolk. . 96,462 


Dedham. 


Hampshire . 


47.335 


Northampton. 


Bristol... 139,121 


S New Bedford. 


Hampden. . 


104,117 


Springfield. 


j Taunton. 


Worcester . . 


220,885 


Worcester. 


Plymouth 74,034 


Plymouth. 


Middlesex. 


317 951 


\ Cambridge. 


Barnstable 31,915 


Barnstable. 






/ Lowell. 


Dukes . . . 4,305 


Edg-artown. 






( Lawrence. 


Nantucket 3,726 


Nantucket. 


Essex 


244,640 


■ Newburyport. 
( Salem. 


















Cities. (Cen 


sus OP 1880.) 








362,535 


Somerville 

Chelsea .... 


24,985 

21,785 


Lowell. . . . 




59.485 


Worcester . . 




58.295 


Taunton 


21,213 


Cambridge . 




53,740 


Gloucester 


19,329 


Fall River. . 




49,006 


Holyoke 

Newton 


21.851 


Lawrence 




39,178 


16,995 


Lynn 




38.284 


Haverhill 


13,475 


Springfield 




33,340 


Newburyport 


13,.537 




26,875 




12,405 






27,598 


Pittsfield (town). . . . 


13 367 







Huflblk. 

This county, the most populous and wealthy in the State, is 
also the smallest, comprising onh' the cities of Boston and 
Chelsea, and the towns of Revere and Winthrop. 

Boston is not only the first city of New England, but is the 
second of the Union in commercial importance, in which it is 
surpassed by New York alone. It is a gi-eat railroad centre, 
being the terminus of all the principal lines in New England; 
and has a magnificent harbor, the advantages of whii-h are 



shared by a large population beyond the city limits. A circle 
drawn with a radius of fifteen miles from the harbor, includino' 
the cities and towns whose business centres here, would encom- 
pass a population of not less than half a million. 

Shipping and foreign trade are the characteristic branches 
of business, but the domestic trade is large and varied, and the 
manufactures considerable. A United States navy yard is 
located here. 

A large part of the business portion of Boston was destroyed 
by fire on the 9th of November, 1872, but it has since been 
rebuilt in a greatly improved style. The public buildings, and 
many of the warehouses and private dwellings, are substantial 
and elegant. 

The Common and Public Garden, though not extensive, are 
beautiful pleasure grounds, and, situated in the very heart of 
the city, form one of its most attractive features. It has, also, 
luimerous historical landmarks, among which are Fanenil Hall, 
the Old State House, the Old South Church, Bunker Hill, and 
Dorchester Heights. 

Boston has always been noted for its superior educational 
facilities and numerous benevolent institutions, and for the 
high culture, patriotism, and enterprising character of its people. 

Chelsea is closely identified with Boston in business interests. 

Essex. 

This county occupies the extreme north eastern portion of 
the State. It is distinguished by the rugged character of its 
coast, which is indented by numerous small bays, forming ex- 
cellent harboi-s. The larger part of the lower coui'se of the 
Merrimac, with superior water-power, lies within this county. 

The chief mineral resources are the granite quarries of 
Rockport, and the silver and lead mines of Newbury. 

The sea-board towns, excepting Lynn, are engaged chiefly in 
commerce and the fisheries ; the interior towns, in agriculture 
and the manufacture of cotton goods and boots and shoes. 

Lawrence is the largest city in the county, and the jirincipal 
centre of cotton manufacture. It has grown up entirely within 
thirty years. 

Lynn and Haverhill are the great centres of the boot and 
shoe manufacture. 

Saleae formerly had a large trade with the East Indies, from 
which it derived great wealth. At present it has little im- 
portance as a commercial piort. 

Gloucester is more extensively engaged in the cod and 
mackerel fisheries than any other port in the Union. These 
fisheries, with the trade derived from them, employ most of 
the labor and capital of the city. 

Newburyport is an old ship-linilding port, which formei-ly 
had a considerable commerce, and is now the centre of a large 
local trade. 

Andover is the seat of Andover Theological Seminar^', and 
of Phillips Academy. Peabody, Danvers, and Marblehead are 
important towns. 



GEOGRAPHY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



4-t^Sl 



]ni(ldle!^e\ aii<l i\orrolk. 

Tliese counties occupy the best poitioii fif the Atlantic plain, 
stretchino' across the State from Xew Hampshire to Ehodc 
Island, and share with Suffolk the advantages of Boston harlmr. 

Agriculture and manufacturing are the characteristic pui- 
suits. In Xorfolk much attention is given to raising vegetables 
for the city markets. The granite quarries in Quincy also em- 
ploy a large number of men. 

The principal manufactures are cotton and woolen goods, 
carpets, paper, leather, shoes, railroad cars and other vehicles. 

In both counties the towns adjacent to Boston are especially 
populous, being proj^erh' but suburbs of that city. 

Lowell, the most ]iopulous city of Middlesex, is the most 
celebrated manufacturing city in America and one of the 
largest. 

Cambridge is the seat of Harvard University and is famous 
for its cultivated so- 
ciety and line resi- 
dences. This city and 
SoMERViLLE are close- 
1}' identified with Bos- 
ton in business in- 
terests. 

Newton is the seat 
of a Theological Se- 
minary. Walthan: is 
noted for its manu- 
facture of watches. 
Lexington and Con- 
cord were the scene 
of the first hostilities 
of the revolution. 
The latter has been 
the home of a num- 
ber of men eminent 
in literature, among 
whom are Emerson, 
Hawthorne, and 
Thoreau. 

Quincy, in Norfolk, is famous for its granite. This place is 
the home of the Adams family, which has produced two Presi- 
dents of the United States. Dedham is the county-seat. 



Brisitol and Plynioiitli. 

These counties lie principally in the south-eastern pi'ojection 
of the State. Plymouth lies in the more barren jiortion of the 
Atlantic plain, but Bristol has, in the main, a productive soil. 

Excellent hai'bors are found in both counties, and the coasting 
ti'ade and fisheries occupy a large part of the sea-board popula- 
tion. Manufacturing— especially of cotton goods, boots and 
shoes, iron wares and machinery — is largely carried on in the 
inland towns. 



WASUINGTON ELM, CAMBRIDGE. 



! Fall Bivek is one of the principal seats of cotton manufac- 
turintr in New Eno-land. New Bedford is the greatest whaling 
port in the country, though this business is much less extensive 
than formerly. TArNXON is celebrated for its extensive loco- 
motive works. Attieboro manufactures large quantities of 
jewelry. Bridgewater is the seat of a State Normal School. 
Abington and Middleboro are largely engaged in the shoe 
manufacture. Marshfield was the home of Daniel Webstei-. 
At Plymouth the first permanent settlement in New England 
was made by the " Pilgrims."' Brockton, an entei-prising city, 
is one of the largest boot and shoe manufacturing centers in 
the State. 

Bariii^table, I>iikeii>, and \antueket. 

These three counties occupy the peninsula of Cape Cod and 
the islands at the south and south-west of it. They are dis- 
tinguished by the sterility of their soil and the extent to which 
their people are occupied with seafaring pursuits. They con- 
tain few places of 
importance. 

Sandwich has the 
lai'gest and most suc- 
cessful glass works 
of the country. Pro- 
vincetown, on Cape 
Cod, is an important 
fishing port. 

Xan tucket wasonce 
celebrated for its 
whale fisheries, but 
the harbor is now 
almost destitute of 
shipping. 

Martha's Vineyard 
is chiefly known as a 
summer resort. 



Worcester. 

This is the largest 
county of Massachu- 
setts, and i-anks fourth in population and wealth. It occupies 
the larger part of the Middle Highlands, and the western 
margin of the Atlantic plain, including some of the richest 
and most highly culti^■ated agricultural regions of the State. 
The principal source of wealth is in the manufactures, which 
are extensive and exceedingly varied. 

Worcester, often called the " heart of the commonwealth,'' 
is an enterprising and beautiful city. It is a prominent railroad 
centre, has a large country trade, and carries on a great variety 
of manufactures, among which are iron and steel wire, agricul- 
tural implements and iron castings; machinery for cotton, paper, 
and woolen mills ; clothing and fire-arms. 

The College of the Holy Cross is located here, also a P( ily tech- 
nic School, a State Normal School, and the AV'orccster Academy. 




GEOGRAPHY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



FiTCHBUEG is handsomely located and growing rapidly. It 
is largely engaged in manufacturing, especially chairs, cotton 
goods, and paper. 

Clinton manufactures large quantities of cotton and M'oolen 
goods and cai-pcts. Athol, Blackstone, and several other towns 
also nianufactui'e cottons and woolens. Gardner makes chairs 
and settees ; Winchendon, hollow wooden wares ; and Milford 
and North Brocikticld, boots and shoes. At Westboro is the 
State Reform School for boys. 

Franklin, Ilanipiiiliirc, and Hampden. 

These counties sti-ctch across the Connecticut Valley, and 
include about one-third of the Middle Highlands and neai-ly 
one half of the Western. 

They embrace an area a little larger than Worcester county; 
but their aggregate wealth and population is one-third less. 
Agriculture is the leading pursuit of the people, and tobacco 
is an important crop in the Comiecticut Valley. Mills and 
manufactories are frequent on the smaller streams ; and since 
the maguificient water-power of the Connecticut, at Turners 
and Sou.th Iladley Falls, lias been made available, the best 
facilities in the country for manufacturing purposes are here 
furnished. 

Springfield, the largest city in the State west of Worcester, 
is an important railroad centre. It has a considerable country 
trade, and is the seat of extensive manufactories and of a United 
States Arsenal. 

lIoLYOKE, at South Iladley Falls, has been built up within 
the past twenty-live yeais. It has almost unlimited water- 
power, which is employed in manufacturing, especially cottons, 
woolens, and paper. Chicopee, I>esides cotton and woolen-mills, 
has a noted brass foundry. At Westfield is a State Normal 
School. Wesleyan Academy is located at Wilbraham. 

East Hampton is the scat of Williston Seminary, and South 
Iladley of Mount Ilolydke Female Seminary. Northanq>ton is 
celebrated as one of the most beautiful towns in the country. 



It contains an asylum for the insane, and is the seat of Smith 
College for women. Amherst College and the State Agricid- 
tural College are located at Andierst. 

Deerfield and Greenfield are rich farming towns, with some 
manufactures. Turner's Falls, on the Connecticut, in the town- 
ship of Montague, though of recent growth, is the most impor- 
tant manufacturing town in Franklin county. The various 
works already located here, and the excellent facilities for 
transportation, give promise that it will become one of the 
great manufacturing centres of the State. 

Berkshire. 

This county comprises the extreme western portion of the 
State, including the Hoosac and Taconic mountain regions and 
the valleys between them. Quarries of white marble and soap- 
stone are among the mineral resoui'ces of the county. 

The elevated regions are, in winter, bleak and snowy, but in 
summer the air is cool and salubrious. Hence they form at- 
tractive summer resorts. The chief pursuit of the jieople in 
these districts is farming, especially dairying and stock-raising. 

The valley towns have a milder climate and are adapted to 
the various branches of agriculture. Many of them ai'e largely 
engaged in manufacturing and are quite populous. 

PiTTSFiELD, the most populous town in the county, car- 
ries on a variety of manufactures. It is located in a pictui-esque 
region of the Housatonic valley. 

North Adams is an enterprising village with extensive manu- 
factories of cotton and woolen fabrics. Near this place is the 
western entrance to the Iloosac tunnel, which pierces the Hoo- 
sac mountain, a distance of nearly foui- miles. 

Williamstown, the seat of Williams College, is the centre 
of a thriving farming region. Lee has valuable quarries of 
white marble. 

This section is noted for its picturesque beauty and health- 
fulness, and attracts considerable numbers of summer resi- 
dents. 




MEMUHIAL liAI.I., IIAHVAKD IXIVEIijITV. 



VERMONT 

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MAP STUDIES. 



NoTK TO THE Teacher. — The desrriptive text upon the counties commences on page 126. Let the county in which the pchool is situated be studied immediately after the lessons on the town 
outlineil below Take up the other counties in order, after the general description of the State as a whole. The list of questions given is designed to be used for every county, and indicates the 
topics upon which information is to l>e given. 

It is impossible, in an article of limited length, to describe the surface, resource?, and business of the several towns of the State : neither is such a description necessary. The teacher, if a 
resident of the town in which he is teaching, will have, from his personal observation, a much better knowledge of it than any book could give ; and if a stranger, he can ascertain, by conversation 
with his patrons, all that he needs to know, to give his pupils a good idea of sucli parts of the town as lie beyond the range of their own observations. 

The best method of carrying on these lessons will be to give the pupils, each day, a few of the questions indicated below, requesting them to ascertain by observation or by inquiry as much as 
possible upon each point. On the morrow call upon them to state all they have thus been able to learn ; and afterward give as much additional information as may be thought necessary or 
desirable. Finish the lessons by drawing a map of the town and locating its mountains, streams, and villages. 

A similar exercise should be given upon the resources of the pupils' own county, making use of the descriptive text and the map questions, in addition to what they may ascertain for themselves ; 
and finishing, if pnicticable, by drawing the map. Any teacher can readily devise a series of horizontal and vertical lines which will enable him accurately to sketch an outline of the county in 
which he is teaching. 



STUDY OF THIS TOWN. 

Questions. — In what town i.*^ this school-house situated? In what part of the 
county is this town situated? How is it bounded? What is its length, and what its 
breadth? How many square miles does it contain? Is the surface level, hilly, or 
mountainous? 

What mountains (if any) in this town? What streams (if any) cross it? What 
lakes or ponds lie within, or partly within it? In what parts of the town are they? 
What streams bring water into them ? What streams carry the water. Qut from them ? 

Does this town possess any valuable mines, 
quarries, or muck beds? In what parts of the 
town arc they situated? What is obtained 
from the mines? What is obtained from the 
quarries ? What use is made of the muck ? 

Does tliis town contain any valuable mill 
sites? Where are they situated? What 
streams furnish the power? Which do the 
farmers of the town chiefly raise, grain or 
stock? Why is this? What are the princi- 
pal crops raised in the town? Where is the 
farm produce carried fo market? By what 
means is it transported? 

What imporiant manufactories are situated 
in this town? In what parts of the town are 
they located? What materials are used in 
these factories? Where are these materials 
obtained ? What articles are made from these 
materials? Where are these articles sent for 
market? How are they sent? 

What villages are situated in this town ? 
In what parts of the town are they? 

What are the principal kinds of business in 
each ? 

What railroads or stage roads cross this 
town ? To what places do they lead ? 

What officers have charge of the public 
business and interests of the town? 

STUDY OF THIS COUNTY. 

What is the name of this county? 

In what part of the State is this county? 

How is this county bounded? 

What is its greatest extent from east to 
west? (Measure with the scale at the mar- 
gin of the map.) 

What is its extent from north to soulh? 

What mountains border or traverse this 
county ? 

What prominent peaks are included within 
its territory ? 

In what part of the county are they sit- 
uated ? 

What river or rivers traverse this county? 

What lake, or lakes (if anv), are included 
in it ? 

Into what streams do these lakes discharge? 

Into how many towns is tliis county di- 
vided ? 

Name the border towns, commencing with 
the most north-westerly. * 

Name the interior towns. What important villages are situated^n this county? 
In what town, and on what stream, if any, is each situated? 

What is the shire-town ot the county? What is a shire-town? 

Ansictr. — A shire-town is the ca])ital town of a county. 

In what part of the county is the shire-town situated ? ' 

What railroads, if any, cross this county? What towns are traversed by each? 
What villages are situated upon each? 

QUESTIONS ON MAP OF THE STATE. 

I. Geographical Positiuii. 

What parallel of latitude forms the northern boundary of the State? What par- 
allel near the southern boundary? What meridian traverses the western part of the 
State V 

What States lie adjacent to Vermont on the east, the south, and the west? 

What Province adjacent on the north ? 

On what river is the boundary between Vermont and New Hampshire? 

Note. — The boundary bptween these States is the west bank of the river at low-water mark. 

What fiirnts the boundary between the central and northern part of Vermont and 
the State of New York? 

Ansirm-. — The deepest channel of Lake Champlain, from its head to its outlet. 

On which side of this boundary line do the islands of Lake Champlain lie? 

Througli what lake does the northern boundary line pass? 




II. Surface. 

What mountain range traverses Vermont its entire length? 

AVhat ranges are found east of the central range of the Green Mountains ? De- 
scribe the water-shed of Vermont. 

What forms tlie water-shed in the southern half? In what direction does the land 
slope at the east of the water-shed ? In what direction does it slope at the west of 
the water-shed V 

Which of the two ranges in the northern half of the State is highest ? Which 
^ has the most elevated base? 

What are the only portions of the State 
which are below 8U0 feet in elevation? 

Name the principal mountain peaks south 
of Killington. 

Name the principal peaks in the central 
range north of Killington. 

Name the principal peaks in the east range. 
What are tlic principal valleys that break 
-the Green IMountaiu range ? 

HI. Drainage. 

Into what river do the streams on the east- 
ern slope of the State flow? 

What lake receives the streams of the west- 
ern slope ? What lake of considerable size 
jdies east of the central range of the Green 
Tlountains ? 

What great river (see Map of British Prov- 
mces) receives the waters of Lake Memphre- 
magog? 

What three rivers of the State enter the 
norlherii part ut Lake Champlain? 

What striani enters the central part? 

What -tnain enters the head of this lake? 

What streams enter the Connecticut from 
the northern part of the State? From the 
central part? From the southern part? 

Describe the course of each of the rivers 
you have named, stating where it rises, what 
direction it takes, what counties it traverses, 
into what water it flows, and the location of 
its mouth. 

Model. — West river rises in the Green 
Mountains, south of Killington Peak; flows 
south-eastward, traversing the county of 
Windham ; and enters the Connecticut river 
above Brattleboro. 



lY. Divisions. 



Vermont di- 



Into how many counties 
vided ? 

Name the north border counties; the east 
border counties; the south border counties; 
the west border counties ; the interior coun- 
ties. 

What county is inclosed by Lake Cham- 
plain ? What three islands form the largest 
part of its territorj;? 

What five counties border upon Lake Chain- 
plain ? 

What five counties border upon the Connecticut? 
What counties are separated by the Green Mountains? 
What counties are traversed by the Green Mountains? 
Give the name and location of the shire-towu of each county. 

Note. — Newfane is the shire-town of Windham county, but the court-buildings ai-e located 
at Fayettcville. 
V. Draiving the Map. 

1. Draw a very light horizontal line, and divide it into four equal parts, using one 
part (equal to about 26 miles) as a measure (M.) 

2. At each end, and at each point of division, draw rerticnl lines downward. 

3. Lay off, on the left-hand vertical line, (i M's, and draw horizontal lines at the 
end points marked. 

Note. — Tlie f^rst horizontal line drawn ~ numbered in the scheme — is the parallel of 45° 
north latitude ; and the vertical line numbered 3 is the meridian of 72° west longitude from 
Greenwich, England. 

4. Place, by observing their position on the horizontal and vertical lines in the 
plan, the extreme north-western, north-eastern, south-western and south-eastern 
points of the State, and the head of Lake (^'hainplain. 

5. Trace all the straight line boundaries of the State, beginning with the northern. 

6. Trace the Connecticut river and the shores of Lake (_'hamplain. ' 

7. Trace the boundaries of the counties, commencing with the most western county 
in the northern tier. 



GEOGKAPHY OF VERMONT. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE. 
I. Surface. 

This State takes its name from two French words, " Vert 
Mont," signifying Green Mountain, from the ranges of for- 
est-covered mountains wliich run through its entire length. 
It lies mainlj' between the great valley of Lake Champlain 
and that of the Connecticut River. It has, in general, a 
mountainous, rugged surface. 

In the State there is one great central mountain range, 
extending from the south to tlie north, with plains and high- 
lands, hills and valleys, on the west and the east. This 
range grows gradually higher from the south to the north, 
but its western base is lower than the land east of it, the 
townships along the shore of Lake 
Cliamphun being conn)aratively level. 

In the southern and narrower half 
of the State the central range is un- 
broken, and forms the watershed as 
far as Mount Lincoln. It is here ac- 
companied, on the west, by a series 
of heights forming the Taconic range. 
This last range is hardly lower, but is 
less continuous, and is cut by sevei-al 
rivers flowing into the Hudson and 
Lake Champlain. Between these two 
chains extends the beautiful Valley of 
Vermont from Bennington to Rutland. 

In the northern half of the State the centred range, though 
higher, is broken by the deep valleys of the Winooski, La- 
moille, and Missisquoi rivers. From the middle and most 
massive part of the whole range, between Killington and 
Lincoln mountains, the eastern highlands' diverge to the 
northeast and become the watershed as far as the northern 
boundary of the State. 

This broad swell of land is only moderately high, but 
bears numerous short ridges, liaving mainly the same direc- 
tion. It is deeply furrowed by the Passumpsic and White 
Rivers on the east, and the Winooski, Lamoille, and Missis- 
quoi on the west, the last rivers cutting their way through 
the central range to pour their waters into Lake Champlain. 

East of the central range, near and parallel to it, is a 
lesser chain, composed of a series of short ranges wliich ex- 
tends, with some interruptions, from the Wliite River, in 
Stockbridge, to tlie Canada line. The first range ends near 
the Winooski, in Moretown ; another, including the Hogback, 
stretches between the Winooski and the Lamoille Valley, in 
Elmore ; a third, of which the Lowell Mountains are a part, 
runs between the Missisquoi and the Black River. 

The highest 'pealcs of the State are Mansfield Mountain, 
Killington Peak, CameVs Hump, Lincoln Mountain, Pico, 
and Jay Peak. 







FEET. 


, Chin, 
M.iusfieUl ) Nose 
I *So. V 


in UnJerhill 


4,389 


'• 


4,056 


eak, in " 


3,896 


*Killington Peak 


in Slielljurne 


4,221 


Camel'-s Hump, in 


Dnxlinry . . 


4,083 


Lincoln Mt., in Lincoln . . . 


3,986 


*Pico Mt., in Shei 


burne . . . 


3,9.51 




* Measured by 




slAll', lluLali, MOSTPELIER. 



ALTITUDE OF PRINCIPAL PEAKS. 

PEET. 

*Jay Peak, in WestfieUl . . . 3,883 

*Sliiewsbury P'k, in Sh'wsburv 3,845 

Equinox Mt., in Manchester . 3,837 

*Baki Hill, in Westmore . . 3,304 

*Burke Mt., in Burke. . . . 3,266 

*Ascutney, in Windsor . . . 3.186 

*Mt. Pisgah, in Westmore . . 2,755 
Prof. A. Guyot. 



II. RiTer!« and Lakes. 

Vermont contains a large number of rivers ; the valleys 
of many of them are distinguished for the great beauty of 
their scenery. 

Owing to their small size and to 
their frequent rapids, these rivers are, 
with two excejjtions, not navigable ; 
but they afford almost unlimited 
water-power. 

The Missisquoi i-iver is navigable 
to Swanton, six miles from the lake ; 
and Otter Creek is navigable to Ver- 
gcnnes, seven miles from the lake. 

Lakes and Rapids, in great num- 
bers, but of small size, diversify the 
scenery in nearly all parts of the 
State. 

Lake Champlain is one of the most 
beautiful lakes in the United States. It is unsurpassed in 
historic interest, having been the scene of many important 
events before and in the Revolutionary War, and the War 
of 1812. 

It is navigable for steamers through its entire length, 
which is about 120 miles. Its average breadth is about four 
and one half miles, and its greatest breadth, opposite Bur- 
lington, is ten miles. 

Lake Memphremagog, about 30 miles long and two miles 
wide, has only about one third of its length in Vermont, It 
is surrounded with scenery of great beauty ; and is a favor- 
ite summer re.sort for tourists. 

Island Pond, in Essex county ; Willoughhy, Caspian, Sey- 
mour, and Crystal lakes, and Salem p>ond, in Orleans county ; 
Lake Dunmore, in Addison county ; and Lake Bomoseen, in 
Rutland county, are the principal among the smaller bodies 
of water. 

III. Mineral Wealth. 

The mineral wealth of Vermont consists chiefly in the use- 
ful rocks; but productive iron and copper ore occur in sev- 
eral towns. 

Marble abounds in all the counties west of the Green 
Mountains ; also in Washington and Windsor counties. 



GEOGRAPHY OF VERMONT. 



13 



Marble, slate, granite, limestone, iind steatite or soap-stone 
afford the most valuable quarries of the State. 

In Addison, Kutland, Ijentiiiigton, and Chittenden counties is fonnd irltite 
marble of great purity : and Chittenden county affords tlie celebrated Winooski. 
vurie(/ated marbles. Dun-colored marble occurs in Sw.inton, Franklin couuty ; 
black marble on the islands and shores of Lake Chauiplain ; verd-aniique , or 
sfrpentlne, in Roxtury, Washington county, and in Cavendish, Windsor county ; 
also a /)/»('!,7i or broirnish marble, variegated with white, in Plymoutli, Windsor 
couuty. 

Translucent white or statuary marble is found in Brandon. 

Tiie chief ipiarries of ic/ii/e marble are along the line of the Rutland and Bur- 
lington Railroad in Rutland, Brandon, Pittsford, and on the line of the Rens- 
selaer and Saratoga at West Rutland ; and along the line of the Bennington 
and Rutland Railroad in Clarendon, Wallingford, Tinmonth, Dauby, Dorset, 
Manchester, and Arlington. 

Limestone abounds on both sides of the Green Mountains, 
but the chief kilns for the manufacture of quicklime are on 
the western side. 

Extensive quarries of Chazy limestone occur in connection 
with the marbles of Isle La Motte, Grand Isle county. 

Granite abounds throughout Essex county, and in the 
eastern part of Orleans ; btit elsewhere it is found only in 
occasional outcrops. The best and most productive quarries 
worked in the State, are in Barre, Washington county, and 
at South Ryegate, Caledonia county. 

Steatite or soap-stone is abundant throughout the State, 
especially east of the Green Mountains ; the most extensive 
deposits being in Bridgewater, Cavendish, and Weatliersfield, 
Windsor county. 

Roofing slate abounds in all parts of the State. It is sep- 
arated by intervening outcrops of other rocks, into three di- 
visions ; occupying the eastern, the middle, and the western 
portions of the State. 

In the western division, quarries of fine grained, greenish 
slate occur, from which slate pencils are extensively manu- 
factured. 

The most extensive quarries and manufactories of slate 
are situated in Castleton, Fairhaven, and Poultney, Rutland 
county. 

Kaolin or porcelain clay occurs in many 2:)laces ; but the 
largest and best deposits are found in Brandon, Rutland 
county, and ]\Ionkton, Addison county. It is extensively 
manufactured into fire brick, earthenware, and many other 
articles. 

Brick clay occurs in nearly every town of the State ; and 
scarcely a town is destitute of beds of peat or muck, very val- 
uable as fertilizers. Marl beds also are frequent in the lime- 
stone regions. 

Iron Mines, of different kinds, occur in tlie western part 
of the State ; certain of which are worked in Brandon, and 
in Bennington. Copperas is largely manufactured from 
sulphuret of iron, in Strafford, Orange county. 

Gold, in small quantities, is found in Stockbridge, Ply- 
mouth, Bridgewater, and other towns. 

Copper is mined in Ely, Corinth, and Strafford ; and de- 
posits of copper ore occur in numerous other places. 



lY. Cliinafe, Noil, and Forests. 

The climate is subject to sudden changes of temperature, 
and to considerable extremes of heat and cold ; but the pure 
and ijivigorating air seems remarkably favorable to health. 

The summers are sufficiently warm and long for the ma- 
turing of all the leading crops of temjjerate and cool tem- 
perate climates. 

The interior being more elevated, is colder than towns on 
Lake Champlain, and in the Connecticut valley. 

The soil is in general naturally fertile, and its productive 
capacity can be greatly increased, by the addition of the fer- 
tilizers which abound throughout the State. 

Extensive forests ol hemlock, spruce, pine, and other ever- 
greens cover the mountains, and also other considerable tracts 
of country througliout the State. On the lower lands, oak, 
pine, hickory, sugai'-maple, birch, beech, basswood, butternut, 
cedar, and elm abound ; — cedar and tamarack occur in the 
swamps. 

Y. Occupations, Productions, and Exports. 

Agriculture is the leading pursuit of the people. For 
grain-yroiving, ■wool-growing, and dairying, Vermont is the 
first State in New England ; the first in the Union in the 
production of maple sugar ; and among the first, in dairy 
products. 

Oats and corn are raised in larger quantities thtin any 
other grains. Potatoes and orchard fruits — especially cher- 
ries, plums, and apples — are important crojjs. Peas, beans, 
hay, hops, buckwheat, are also largely raised. 

Stock-raising has long received careful attention in this 
State, and great numbei's of fine cattle, sheep, and horses, 
are raised. 

The manufacture of lumber, of cpdcklime from the lime- 
stone, or from the refuse of the marble quarries, and of char- 
coal for export, are important branches of business. 

The chief exports of the State are marble, roofing slate, 
and the articles manufactured from them ; charcoal ; dairy 
produce and the farm crops ; lumber, furniture, and furniture 
stock ; and maple sugar. 

The quantity of butter annually bought of the producers, in St. Albans^ 
Richmond, and Vergenncs, is probably not exceeded in any other three towns 
in the United States. 

VI. Commercial Facilities. 

Vermont, though an inland State, is scarcely inferior to 
any State in the Union in respect of commercial facilities. 
There is ivater communication by Lake Champlain, the 
Chambly river and canal, and the St. Lawrence with Quebec, 
Montreal, and all of the cities on the great lakes ; and by 
the Champlain and Hudson canal and Hudson river, with 
New York, and the other sea-board cities. 

Railroads crossing the State in different directions, connect 
eastward and westward, northward and southward, with 
all of the principal cities, both in our own country and in 
Canada. 



14 



GEOGRAPHY OF VERMONT. 



VII. Cities and Yilla^et^. 

The following are the cities aucl the principal villages of 
Vermont, with their Populations^ Locations, and especial 
Advantages, and leading Interests : 



Names. 


Pop. in 

1830. 


Locations. 


Advantages. 


Leading Interests. 


Burling- 


T. 11,364 


Burlington Bay. 


Superior harbor 


Lumber trade and man- 


ton. 






and extensive rail- 
road connections. 


ufactures. 


Vei'geniies. 


r. 1,782 


Falls of Otter 
Creek. 


Steam navigation, 
water-power. 


Manufactures. 


Rutland. 


r. I -2,149 


Upper course of 


Railroad connec- 


Marble quarrying, and 






Otter Creek. 


tions. Jlarble 
Quarries. 


manufactures. 


St. Albans. 


T. 7,193 


Near St. Albans 


Dairy produce 


Car manufactures, roll- 






Bav. 


market. 


ing mill, butter market. 


Benninston. 


T. 6,333 


_ _ 


_ 


Manufactures. 


Brattleboro- 


4,471 


Connecticut R. 


Water power. 


Manufacture of parlor 
organs. 


St. .lohns- 


T. .5,800 


Passumpsic R. 


- 


Manufacture of Fair- 


biiry. 








banks's Scales. 


Brandon. 


]'. 3,280 


Otter Creek R. 


- 


Manufacture of marbl' 


Northfield. 


r. 2,836 


Doc; River. 


_ 


Manufactures. 


Castleton. 


T. 2,605 


Castleton R. 


- 


Marble and slate quarry- 
ing and manufacture. 


Middlebury. 


T. 2,9fl3 


Otter Creek R. 


\\'ater power. 


-Manufactures. 


Mont pel ier. 


T. 3,219 


Winooski R. 


Slate Capital. 


Manufactures. 


Winooski. 


aboTit 










3,0D0 


Winooski K. in 
Colchester. 


Water power. 


ilanufactures. 


Spi ins; field. 


r. 3,144 


Connecticut R. 


_ _ 


Manufactures. 


Woodstock. 


T. 2,815 


Otta Quechee R. 




- 


Faiiliavcn. 


T. 2,211 Poultuey R. 


Marble and slate 


Marble and slate quarry- 




1 


quarries. 


ing, and manufacture. 


Bellows 


about 1 






Falk. 


T. 2,229! Conn. R. 


R. R. connection^. 


Manufactures. 



# 

G^^ 



T. Town or Township. 

VIII. Political Organia5atioii. 

The Government of the State consists of three depart- 
ments ; the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judicial. 

The Legislative power is vested in the General Assembly. 
This body consists of a Senate composed of 30 members, 
and a House of Representatives of 241 members — one from 
each town and city ; — each body is chosen biennially. 

The Executive power is vested in a Governor and other 
State officers; the Lieutenant-governor takes the place of 
the Governor in case of his absence or disability. 

The Judicial power is 
yQsi^Amdi Supreme Court, 
County Courts, Prolate 
Courts, and Justices of 
the Peace. The Supreme 
Court consists of one chief 
judge and six assistant 
'/^ judges, chosen biennially 
f / hy the General Assembly. 
J The County Courts con- 
sist of one judge of the 
Supreme Court, and two 
assistant judges, chosen 
bienniall}' in each count}'. 
The Judges of Probate 
are chosen biennially in 
the probate districts. The Justices of the Peace are elected 
biennially by the towns; each town electing from five to 
fifteen, according to jjopulation. 







STATE COAT OF ARJtS. 



IX. Hij^torical IVotei*. 

The first permanent White Settlement in the State of Ver- 
mont was made at Brattleboro in 1724, when Fort Dummer 
was erected. 

As the territory now forming this State lay between the 
French possessions in Canada, and the English colonies of 
New England and New York, — which, mth Indian allies, 
were in almost constant warfare, — little was done towards 
occupying it, until after the cession of Canada to England 
in 1760. 

In this year a settlement was made in Guilford, Wind- 
ham county, and in other tovsms soon after ; and from this 
time the population increased rajjidly. 

Before the Revolution, the territory of Vermont was 
claimed by both New Hampshire and New York. After the 
Declaration of Independence, the people of Vermont organ- 
ized a State government, and t-laimed and maintained inde- 
pendence of both of these States ; but their action was not 
recognized by the General Government as justifiable, and 
the controversy continued until 1791. 

At this date, Vermont was recognized by Congress, and 
became a member of the Union. The Constitution of the 
State, originally formed m 1777, has been several times 
amended. 

One of the most decisive battles of the Revolution was 
fought near Bennington, August 16th, 1777 ; and many im- 
portant actions took place in the vicinity of Lake Champlain. 

The long valley occupied \>y this lake and the Hudson 
formed the natural route between Canada and the populous 
districts on the Atlantic sea-board ; and the expedition of 
BurgojTie, the failure of which was foreshadowed and in- 
sured by the battle of Bennington, was the final effort of 
the British to obtain command of their former colonies. 

X. Edncational, Charitable, and Penal In- 
stitntions^o 

Colleges. Vermont has three colleges ; the University of 
Vermont and State Agricultural College at Burlington; 
Middlebury College at Middlebury ; and Norwich LTniversity 
at Northfield. 

The University of Vermont, in addition to a full literary 
course, gives a course in medicine ; and the Agricultural 
College gives training in the sciences, the mechanic arts, 
and metallurgy. This excellent institution is now open to 
young women. At Norwich University special attention is 
given to military training. 

The TJiree State Normal Schools — one in each Congress- 
ional district — are located respectively at Randolph, Cas- 
tleton, and Johnson. 

Academies and Seminaries of superior excellence are lo- 
cated in several of the counties ; and the graded schools of 
the cities and some of the larger villages compare favorably, 
on the score of excellence, with those of the other New Eng- 
land States. 



GEOGEAPHY OF VEKMONT. 



15 



The Feyial Institutions are the State Prison, located at Wind- 
sor ; the State Reform School, at Vergeunes ; and the House of 
Correction, at Rutland. 

Of Charitable Institutions the most important are the Insane 
Asylum at Brattleboro, and the Home for Destitute Children and 
the Mary Fletcher Hospital, at Burlington. 



NOTES ON THE SEVERAL COUNTIES. 

I. Addison. (Pop. in 1880, 24,174.) 

Surface. The eastern part of tlie county is mountainous, and thougli 
the soil is naturally productive, cultivation is difficult. The western part is 
moderately uneven, and is a rich farming section. 

lNDLSTKi.\L Resource.s. Extensive quarries of nuirUe and limestone are 
found in Middlebury, Salisbury, aud Whiting ; rich beds of porcelain day 
in Monkton ; the best mitei-power in the State at the falls in Vergennes ; 
also excellent water-power at the falls in Middlebury. 

Cities and Towns. Vergennes, at the head of navigation, on Otter 
Creek, has large manufactories of furniture and nails. This, the oldest city 
in New England, was an important city during the war of 1813, and con- 
tained extensive forges and shot manufactories. Commodore MoDonough's 
Heet, which conquered the British in Plattsburgh Bay, September 11, 1814, 
was fitted out in Vergennes. 

Middlebury. This is the shire town, and the seat of Middlebury College. 

Other important towns in this county, a,xe New SoAJen, the seat of Beeman 
Academy ; aud Bristvl. 



II. Bennington. (Pop. in 1880, 21,945.) 

The SURFACE is in general mountainous. The Green Mountains on the 
east and the Taconic on the west, with the valley between them, occupy 
almo.st the entire area of the county. Little of the surface is suited to agri- 
culture, but where tillable, the land yields rich harvests. 

Industuial Resources. Murlile abounds in Dorset and Manchester ; 
and iron in Bennington, Shaftsbury, Sunderland, Arlington, and Manches- 
ter. Wtihr-pi/ircr is abundant on all the streams ; spruce and other timber 
is found in all parts. 

Knit (joods are manufactured at Bennington, sAoes at North Bennington, 
marble at Dorset and Manchester, steel squares in Shaftsbury, and c/iarconl 
and lumber in many parts. 

Towns. Benninr/(on and Manchester are half-shire towns ; near the for- 
mer was the scene of the Battle of Bennington. Dorset aud Sttaftsbary are 
nest in population and wealth. 



III. Caledonia. (Pop. in 1880, 23,607.) 

Surface. The western part of this county, traversed from north to 
south by the eastern highlands, which form tlie water-shed, is quite moun- 
tainous ; yet the larger portion of the county, though elevated, is so even as 
to be easily cultivated. The county contains much excellent farming land, 
especially in the Passumpsic valley. 

Industrial Resources Extensive quarries of roofing slate occur in 
Waterford, and of granite near South Reyegate. 

Towns. St. Jolinsbury, the shire town, is the seat of Fairbanks's exten- 
sive manufactory of weighing scales, and of the St. Jolmsbury Academy, a 
leading academical institution. 

Lyndon contains an excellent academy, and at Lyndonville are the offices, 
machine-shops, and manufactories of the Passumpsic Railroad. 

Pearfiam. contains one of the oldest academies in the State. 

Da/iriUe, Ilardwicli, Barnet, aud Burta: are also important towns. 



IV. Cliillendcn. (Pop. in 1880, 32,798.) 

Surface. The surface is generally hilly, but in no section monntainous, 
except near the eastern boundary. Along the lake the land is somewhat 
lower, and the surface rolling and moderately uneven. Mount Mansfield, 
the highest land in the State, is situated on the eastern border of this county. 
The soil is generally fertile, especially in the Wiuooski valley. In some 
places, however, it is sandy and not productive. 

Industriai^ Resources. Red raru-yatex?, or Winooski marble, is found 
in Colchester and Milton ; and inexhaustible quarries of superior limestone 
in Colchester and Burlington. 



Water-power is afforded at Winooski Falls, near Burlington, ami at nu- 
merous other points. Iron is found in Milton. The best liarbor on the lake 
is at Burlington. 

Towns. The city of Burlington, the wealthiest and most populous town 
in the State, is the shire town of the county ; the seat of tlie Uiiiversitv of 
Vermont; the chief commercial metropolis of the State; and the greatest 
inland lumber market in New England, and the third in the United States. 

Other important towns are Milton, Essex, and liic/imond. 



V. Essex. (Pop. in 1880, 7,931.) 

SuRr.\CE. The surface of this county is elevated and generally moun- 
tainous, except along the Connecticut. The soil is fertile when lirst'brought 
under cultivation, but in the hilly and mountainous portions is soon ex- 
hausted, aud requires the constant addition of fertilizers to continue its pro- 
ductiveness. The rock of this county is chiclly granite. 

Industrial Re.sources. Lumber. 

Towns. Guildhall is the shire town. Island Pond, in the town of 
Brighton, is an important village on the Grand Trunk Railroad. From the 
heights in the town of Luncnburyti is obtained one of the most extensive 
mountain views in New England. 



VI. Franiiiin. (Pop. in 1880, 30,225.) 

Surface. The eastern part is elevated and rugged, but in the west the 
land is comparatively level, and admirably adapted to farming. 

Industrial Resources. Water-jiowcr is found in nearly every town ; 
marble in Swanton, Highgate, and St. Albans ; small beds of il'on oi'e in the 
towns on the lake ; lime in St. Albans aud Swanton ; and mineral springs 
in Highgate and Sheldon. 

Towns. St. Albans is the shire town, and contains the offices, machine- 
shops, and manufactories of the Central Vermont Railroad ; and an exten- 
sive rolling mill 

Sioanton, Higtigate, Fairfax, EnosburgJi, and Bichford, are important 
towns. 

VII. Cirand Isle. (Pop. in 1880, 4,124.) 

Surface. This county, which consists of a peninsula and the islands in 
Lake Champlain, has a level surface but little elevated above the lake. 

The soil is everywhere productive, and is especially favorable to fruit 
culture. 

Industrial Resources. Inexhaustible quarries of Isle LaMotte niai-ble 
and of Chazy limestone. 

Towns. Nortli Hero is the shire town; Alburgh Sjmngs, in the town of 
AUmrgti, is a favorite summer resort. 



VIII. Lamoille. (Pop. in IHSO, l2,i)84.) 

Surface. The surface is mountainous, the main range .of the Green 
Mountains crossing the county west of the center. 

Excellent farming land abounds in the valley of Lamoille river, aud along 
its tributaries. 

Industrial Resources. Watcr-potrer is abundant in nearly all parts, 
especially in Waterville, Johnson, Morristown, Wolcott, and Stowe. Lead 
ore occurs in Morristown. 

Towns. Hyde Parti is the shire town. Jolinson contains a State Normal 
School. Stowe is a summer resort for tourists to Mount Mansfield. Mor- 
riscille and Wolcott are thriving villages. 



IX. Orange. (Pop. in 1880, 23,529.) 

SuRF.\CE. This county is traversed by ridges of the Eastern Highlands 
and is generally hilly. The soil is in general fertile and yields abundant 
harvests. 

Industrial Resources. Lead, ore occurs in Thetford ; copper in Cor- 
inth, Ely, Strafford, aud West Fairlee. Sulphuret of iron, valuable for the 
manufacture of copperas and paints, in Strafford ; valuable slate quanifs 
occur in Thetford. 

Towns. Clielsra, ne.ar the center of the county, is the shire town. Ran- 
dolpli contains one of the State Normal Scliools, and West Ranihilpli. is a 
flourishing village. Bradford, Tlistford, aud Netcbury are important towns. 



X. Orleans. (Pop. in 1880, 22,082.) 

SuRP.\CB, The surface, though elevated, is nearly everywhere favorable 
to cultivation. The soil is everywhere jiroductive, especially along the 
streams, where tlie meadow land is unsurpassed by any in tlie State. 



16 



GEOGBAPHY OF VERMONT. 



LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS 



014 069 039 9 



The rock is chieiy limestone a,ni slate, wliich by decomposition is constantly 
renewing tlie soil. Granite is found in the eastern part of this county. 

Several Ijeautil'ul lakes and ponds diversify the landscape, which for pict- 
uresqu* beauty is not surpassed in any portion of the State. 

iNDUSTBiAi, Resources. Water-powe7' is abundant in almost every sec- 
tion. 

Towns. Irasbnn/Jt is the shire town ; Neirjwrt, on Lake Memphremagog, 
is a noted summer resort ; Barton is largely engaged in manufacturing lum- 
ber ; and Charleston in the manufacture of emery wheels. Derby Center, 
Derby Line, North Troy, and Barton Landing arc thriving villages. 



XI. Rlllland. (Pop. in 1880, 41,830.) 

Surface. The surface in the southern part .and in the towns bordering 
on Lake Champlaiu, is comparatively level, and the soil is very fertile. In 
the south-eastern and eastern parts the land is hilly and difficult to cultivate. 
Lakes and ponds are nearly .as numerous as iu Orleans county ; streams are 
also numerous. 

lNr)USTR[.\T. Resources. White marble of great beauty is found in large 
quantities in Sudbui'y, Brandon, Pittsford, Rutland, Clarendon, Tinmouth, 
and Danby. Iron, and 'porcelain clay, in Brandon ; inexhaustible beds of 
the finest slate in Fair Haven, Castleton, and Poultney ; and mineral springs 
in Clarendon and Middletown. Water-poucr abounds throughout the county. 

ToWN.s. Rutland, the shire town, is the second town in wealth and pop- 
ulation, and the largest marble market in the State. The extensive Howe 
Scale Works are now located here. Brandon contains large furnaces, and 
manufactories of fire-brick and paints. Poultney has vast slate quarries ; 
and is the seat of Troy Conference Academy. Castleton is the seat of one of 
the State Normal Schools. Marbleized slate is manufactured at HyclevUle 
and Fair Hacen. 



XII. '%Va!«lliiig:toii. (Pop. in 1880, 25,403.) 

Surface. The surface of this county is mountainous in nearly all sec- 
tions, though the soil is generally highly productive, being constantly re- 
newed by tlie decomposition of the limestone and r/iuirtz, which are the 
prevailing rocks of the county. 

Industrial Resource.s. The finest f/rai/ite quarries of the State are 
situated in Barre ; quarries of fine roofinrj slate are found in J^orthfield ; also 
quarries of stonf, suitable for the manufacture of hones, and scythe-stones, 
Verdc-antique marble of great beauty abounds in Roxbury ; also actinolite, 



from which is prepared the most valuable polishing powder for dressing it. 
Superior icater-poircr is attorded by Winooski river and its tributaries. 

Towns. Montpelier is the shire town of the county, and the capital of 
the State. The State House, built of Barre granite, is one of the most beau- 
tiful buildings in the State. This town is the seat of the Vermont Metho- 
dist .Seminary and Female College, and has several important manufactories. 

Nortlifield contains extensive manufactories of roofing slate. It is the seat 
of Norwich University, a noted military school. 
j Waterbm-y is an important railroad station. At Walerbary Center is an 
academy. 

At Barre are two prominent academic institutions. 

XIII. WiiKlliniii. (Pop. in 1880, 2G,703.) 

Surface. The surface of this county is in nearly all sections rugged and 
elevated, and the western part is mountainous. Tracts of the most valuable 
farming lands, however, lie along Connecticut river, and yield abundant 
I harvests. 

I Industrial Resources. Quarries of excellent roofing slate occur in 
Guilford, and in towns lying north of it. The richest soap-stone quarries of 
the State lie in Grafton and Athens. 

Towns. Brattk'boro is the se.at of the State Asylum for the Insane ; and 
also of an extensive manufactory of parlor organs. BcUoirs F'cdls contains a 
Seminary for young ladies. At SaJ:ton's Ricer is the Vermont Academy. 

Fayettecille (the shire town), Jamaica, Londonderry, Toionshend, and 
Wilminyton, are important towns. 

XIV. ^IViildsor. (Pop. in 1880, 35,193.) 

Surface. The surface and soil of this county are of the same general 
character as that of Windham. 

Industul\l Resources. Water-power is abu.'idant on all the streams. 
Verd-antiq>w marble is, common in Cavendish ; and Plymouth marble—hlmsh 
ground mottled with white — abounds in Plymouth. Pui-e soap-stone exists 
in great quantities in Weathersfield and Bridgewater ; and gold is found in 
Stockbridge, Bridgewater, and Plymouth. 

Towns. Woodstock is the shire town. The village is beautifully situated 
on Otta Quechee River. Windsor contains the State Prison, a Cotton Fac- 
tory, and Machine Shop. At Springfield there is an extensive manufactory 
of children's carriages. Hartford represents a large variety of industrial 
interests located in its several villages. 

Ludlow, Cavendish, Bethel, Sharon, and Eoyalton are important towns. 



RAILROADS IN VERMONT. 



N.iMES of the principal corporations operating Railroads in \'ermont, and the 
termini and the lengths of the roads ; — 

^'t. and Afass. R. R. Miller's Falls, Mass., and Brattleboro, 31 miles. 

Vt. Valhy R. R. Brattleboro and Bellows Falls, 23 miles. 

Central Vt. R. R. Bellows Falls and Rouse's Point, N. Y., !•(« Montpelier, ISO 
miles ; via Rutland, ITT miles ; Montpelier to Barre, (i miles ; Leicester Jnnction 
to Ticonderoga, N. Y. , 16 miles. 

Conn, and Passmnpsic Rivers and Massawippi Valley R. R. White River 
Junction and Sherbrooke, P. Q., 145 miles. 

Montpelier and Wells River R. R. Montpelier and Wells River, 3^^ miles. 

Portland and Ogdensbury R.R. — Vt. Divisloii. Lunenburgh and Magwam 
Bay, 131 miles. 

Barlingion and Lamoille R. R. Burlington and Cambridge Jnnction, 35 miles. 

Southeastern Townships Railway — f:iotithern Division. Newport and Farn- 
ham, P. Q., 05 miles. 

JUissisquoi R. R. St. Albans and Richford, 28 miles. 

Woodstock R. R. White River Junction and Woodstock, 14 miles. 

Delaware and Hudson Canal Co. Ruthand and Troy, N. Y., via Castleton and 
Poultney, SS miles ; via Castleton and Pah Haven, 81 miles. 

Bennington and Rutland R. R. Rutland and Bennington, 56 miles. 

Atlantic and St. Lawrence R. R. Portland, Me., and Montreal, P. Q., 300 
mUes; in Vt., Bloomfield and Norton, 31 miles. 

Central Vermont R. R., in process of construction. Brattleboro and South 
Londonderry, 36 miles. 



DISTANCES BY RAILROAD. 

South Vernon to Brattlelioro, 10 miles. 

Brattleboro to Bellows Falls, 22 " 

Bellows Falls to White River Junction, 43 " 

White River Junction to Wells River, 40 " 

Wells River to St. Johnsbury, ... ...... 31 " 

St. Johnsbury to Newport, ......... 44 ^* 

Newport to Richford, .......... 33 *' 

White River Junction to Montpelier, 64 " 

Montpelier to Essex Junction, . . . . . . . . . 33 " 

Esse.v Junction to St. Albans, 25 " 

St. Albans to Swauton, 9 *' 

St. Johnsbury to Cambridge Junction, ....... 65 " 

Cambridge Junction to Swanton, . . 33 '' 

Cambridge Junction to Essex Jnnction 36 " 

Essex Jnnction to Burlington, 8 " 

Burlington to Rutland 67 " 

Rutland to Bellows Falls .53 " 

Rutland to Fair Haven, 16 ^^ 

Rutland to Poultney, 18 " 

Also, see the previous tabic. 



JOURNEYS BY RAILROADS. 

Name the important towns or villages through which one would pass in travel- 
ing by rail b.v the shortest routes : 

From Brattleboro to Newport. 
" Newport to St. Albans. 
" St. Albans to Bennington. 
" Brattleboro to South Londonderry. 
" Bellows Falls to Fair Haven. 
" White River .Innction to Burlington. 
*^ Wells River to BurUngton. 
" St. Johnsbury to Burlington. 



<^/' 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

nmillMI II III I II III 

Ml: II i!i I ii III ml I II I II 
014 069 039 9 i 




